The Most Special Moments of Our Wedding Reception

If you’ve gotten married, you may understand me when I say that while I loved the ceremony, our wedding reception was my favorite part of the day!

So we got married, and now it’s time to party! Brandon and I entered our wedding reception to the Friends theme song. Everyone thought it was our first dance. It was super awkward and we’re still laughing about it. We set them all straight when “our song,” Like I’m Gonna Lose You began to play. This is “our song” because it was the track playing when Brandon told me that he loved me for the first time, when we had our first kiss, and when he proposed. So naturally it made sense for it to be our first dance as Mr. and Mrs. The moments shared during that dance were so special.

The father-daughter dance was up next, and my dad and I chose a song by Lindsey Stirling. The really neat thing about this selection was that I had introduced him to her music a year or so before, but actually purchased tickets to see her in concert right after the wedding! So we spent most of the time dancing just chatting about how excited we were for her upcoming tour. Brandon danced with his mom last, and they probably had the most sweet and sappy time of all! There was so much love in the room during these songs, and it was a blessing to witness everyone who had come to join us for the celebration.

wedding details

Photos // Virginia Ashley Photography | Wooden Wedding Signs // c/o Susan Atkins Style + Design | Tulle, Lights, Greenery, Florals + Wooden Arbor // handmade by friends | Chairs + Tablecloths // Riverwood Events and Catering | Naked Cake // Pearl’s Bake Shoppe | Taco & S’mores Bar // catered by my brother-in-law | Drinks // bartended by friends Emcee // family friend | Location // Pocahontas State Park | Makeup // c/o KK Shoaf Inside Out Beauty | Bride’s Eyelashes // Curly Willow Spa | Bride’s Hair // family friend | Reception Dress // Lulus | Wedding Gown // c/o Lillian West via Ava Laurénne Bride | Bridesmaid Dresses in “Dusty Rose” // Azazie | Druzy Earrings // c/o The Shinn Life

After the planned dances, came the food and the fun!

Our wedding reception was the talk of the town for one reason – the food. We chose a taco bar for dinner (catered by my brother-in-law) and a s’mores bar for dessert! Everyone raved about how delicious and creative it all was, and that made us so happy. I’ll be honest – I only ate a couple bites of taco, and didn’t even get to taste the s’mores (those bridal nerves are a bear), but I know everyone around me enjoyed them thoroughly.

Brandon’s brother (and best man) gave a really wonderful toast, followed by my sister (and matron-of-honor) whose toast certainly had me in tears. Everyone cheered and enjoyed more food, mingling and chatting about how delicious the tacos were.

After a few margaritas, people started to dance. We had a playlist filled with everything from Michael Jackson and Queen to Disney tracks and more. It was so fun to just let loose after the long day and all the fast-paced activities. This was my favorite part of the entire wedding. I eventually changed out of my wedding gown and into a shorter dress, since Brandon kept stepping on my train. 😂 Then I let loose and danced the night away!

We cut our beautiful naked cake, which was a gift from a friend of mine. Thankfully, B didn’t shove any of it into my face (I kept begging him not to), and a handful of people got to enjoy slices of that, along with the s’mores. Then it was time for our last few songs, and a glow stick send-off! We walked out into the freezing night and laughed along with all our incredible friends and family as they waved the glow sticks in the air to say “goodbye.” Then it was off to our night at the boutique hotel, Graduate Richmond.

Our Wedding Ceremony // Boho Wedding Decor Inspo // Wedding Signs